Copyright Rebecca Nietert – 2024
I was 16. My mind raced, thoughts swirling in chaotic disarray. The overwhelming heat pressed against my skin, threatening to consume me. In a desperate attempt to escape, I darted into the fiery inferno, my heart pounding in my chest. But the flames were relentless, their scorching touch leaving my face seared, my hair singed. I gasped for air, my lungs craving the cool freshness that was nowhere to be found.
Fear gripped me, tightening its hold with every passing second. Frantically, I changed direction, fleeing back into the kitchen. The room was shrouded in a dense, impenetrable cloud of black smoke. I dropped to the floor, seeking refuge from the inexplicable, suffocating darkness swirling around me.
Crawling on all fours, my hands outstretched, I groped my way towards the door. With trembling fingers, I reached for the knob, only to find it melted beyond recognition. Panic surged through me as the weight of the situation bore down, crushing my spirit. A whispered plea escaped my lips, “We’re going to die.”
Through the haze, my sister’s voice shattered the despair, urging me to keep trying, to find a way out. The acrid black soot coated my throat, a constant reminder of the imminent danger that surrounded us. Yet, in that harrowing moment, something shifted deep within my soul. Instinct took over, transforming me into a creature driven solely by the primal need for survival.
I continued to crawl, relentless in my pursuit of escape. The darkness stifled my senses, but I pressed on, feeling my way through the oppressive blackness. My desperate journey led me to a small mirrored bathroom, its reflective surfaces offering no solace, no guidance. Trapped, I groped futilely, my hands grasping at emptiness.
Amidst the disorienting despair, the sound of my sister’s voice called out to me with desperate urgency. I clung to her words, using them as a lifeline, navigating my way through the door and into the dimly lit hallway. Step by agonizing step, I persevered, finding my way through the labyrinthine layout of our home.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I stumbled into the living room. Relief washed over me, mingled with a lingering sense of dread. The battle was far from over, but for now, I had escaped the clutches of the inferno.
In that moment, I realized the true nature of fear. It had engulfed me, threatened to consume everything I held dear, but I had refused to surrender. As I stood amidst the remnants of destruction, I vowed to carry that unyielding resilience within me, forever unafraid, ready to face any challenge that may lie ahead.
To learn more about me and my journey… keep reading.
Reba Nietert 